Monthly Archives: February 2012

Feb22

SOFA SEWING?

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SOFA SEWING?

PomPom Poppies

No, I’m not going to sew a sofa!  However, I’m having surgery tomorrow on both feet and will be sofa-bound for awhile.  Perfect opportunity to hand sew, peruse bag making books and magazines to my heart’s delight!   “What an optimist!” you say.  Well, you should see the fortress of books, magazines, sketch pads and pencils, iPad, iPhone, Kindle, puzzles, and embroidery–way more than I can accomplish but what fun!  I just turned in my last bag to Tina’s for sale.  This bag was a challenge since it’s the first I’ve sewn that’s laminated both inside and out.  If you read my previous blog about tips for sewing with laminated fabric you know that I was unable to press or pin this bag.  Bummer!  But I did interface all wrong sides except the bow.  For pinning I used a combination of tiny clothespins and binder clips.  With this entry, I’m including pictures of my last five bags (since the “Apron Bag.”)  The Mardi Gras bag (Petals and Pearls) just sold this Mardi Gras week at Tina’s.  Hot Dang!

  • Petals and Pearls – I found this purple laminated fabric with strands of beads in the design and just had to fashion a bag for Mardi Gras which is quite the celebration here in Galveston.  Also one of my first attempts at creating a fabric flower.
  • Tropical Chic – the all-laminated bag of hot pink tropical design.
  • Trip to Paris – created with a design that includes Paris postmarks, etc. and a bib/bow area of Michael Miller black pin dot.
  • PomPom Poppies – A bag of vibrant turquoise and red, that is a donation for the Seafarer’s Association here in Galveston.
  • Tickle Me Pink – A donation for the Salvation Army fundraiser/benefit at the Hotel Galvez, with hot pink pompoms and paisley design.

While on the sofa I also plan to try my hand at creating fabric flowers to adorn my bags.  And, maybe learn to apply a frame as a handle.  So many choices!  If all goes well, I should have items and pics to share with you soon.  Keep sewing! 🙂

Tickle Me Pink!

Trip to Paris

Petals & Pearls

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Feb8

Awesome Retreat!

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Beautiful Texas Quilt Museum, LaGrange, TX

Texas Sunset View from the Porch
Well, I guess the best and truest testimonial to what a great time we had is the familiar refrain following each of our retreats–no matter what day we start, we always wish we had more time.  When you return from a quilt retreat, you will have gained five pounds, have side aches from laughing, and lost sleep.  Oh my, you say, why would anyone do that?  Because it was a barrel of fun and doesn’t happen nearly enough.  How heavenly to start a project and be able to sew uninterrupted!  We accomplished SO much!  Oh yes, there were meals–yummy stew and scrumptious lasagne to name a few, and the occasional to-die-for homemade desserts like brownies and caramel apple cookies.   Coffee plain or in flavors like Butter Toffee and Jamaica Me Crazy were our pick-me-ups, and often evenings turned to wine, champagne, or whipped cream vodka with OJ (a Dreamsicle.)  We exchanged ideas, watched “The Help” while we sewed, shared projects, relaxed and enjoyed those gorgeous Texas Hill Country sunsets on the porch and  experienced the new Texas Quilt Museum.  AND a few practical jokes were pulled.  Did you know you can buy just about any size alligator head at a truck stop?!  Drop that sucker into a very low-flow toilet and you’ve got yourself “an alligator who swam up through the sewer and got stuck in the commode I guess!!!”  🙂  🙂   SEW looking forward to next time!!

One Pic is Worth a Thousand Words

Feb2

PACKING FOR QUILT RETREAT!

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Is there anything more fun for quilting friends than a quilt retreat?  Don’t pass up a chance to gather with your best sewing buds for fun, food, and projects.  We’re headed to my sister’s house in the Texas Hill Country to meet dear ladies we’ve sewn with for years.  We live in different parts of the state but try to come together at least once a year.  No matter how long we’ve been apart, it’s instantly just like old times.  Show & Tell, The Dog Pound (where UFO’s can be given up or exchanged), door prizes, fabulous food and recipes, and a trip to the nearest quilt shop are all included.  Of course, you’ll feel like you’re packing your whole house and more but it’s oh so worth it when you get there.  My personal project goal is to complete two bags that I’ve agreed to donate to the silent auctions of worthy causes.  Four whole days of following my passion and laughing my head off is calling me.  I’m beyond excited and will update you soon!